Travel review: A five-star skiing experience in the heart of the French Alps
After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, our family of seasoned skiers was in desperate need of an escape and Arcs 1950 proved to be the perfect destination, writes Sarah Derry.
This ski resort, tucked away in the heart of the French Alps, offered everything we could wish for, from the incredible skiing area to a luxurious choice of accommodation and a true ski-to-door location - all adding up to the perfect environment to create unforgettable family memories.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this would be a five-star experience.
Our home for the week was the Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence Arc 1950 Le Village, and it truly felt like a luxury retreat. The self-catering apartment was beautifully furnished, spacious, and equipped with everything we could possibly need. With our two sons, we needed a place that could comfortably accommodate all of us, and this apartment did not disappoint. The village itself is stunning, with traditional alpine chalet-style buildings set against the backdrop of snow-capped Alps. A perfect, peaceful, picturesque retreat after a day on the slopes.
One of the standout features of the apartment was the full kitchen, which allowed us to enjoy meals in the comfort of our space.
A big change compared to our last self-catering experience 15 years ago. The flexibility of self-catering was perfect, but what really elevated our experience was the Huski meal delivery service. One night, we decided to take a break from cooking and ordered a full dinner from Huski.
The convenience of having a gourmet meal delivered right to our door allowed us to maximise our time on the slopes, and the quality of the food was exceptional. The beef bourguignon was delicious and beautifully prepared; the accompanying red wine was a perfect match too, all making it feel like a special event rather than just a takeaway meal.
The skiing in the Les Arcs area is nothing short of spectacular. The Paradiski area, which connects Les Arcs, La Plagne, and Peisey-Vallandry, offers over 425 km of skiable terrain, which was more than enough to keep our family of keen skiers entertained.
For beginners, there are plenty of gentle, wide runs in the village area, perfect for those new to the sport or for families with young skiers. More intermediate skiers will enjoy the varied terrain, with blue and red runs that wind through beautiful alpine forests and open fields, offering both challenge and stunning views.
For expert skiers, the resort features a number of more demanding black runs, including our favourite, the famous Aiguille Rouge, with its thrilling descents with incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif. The high altitude ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
A top tip, wave goodbye to the old paper piste map and use Paradiski YUGE app, you can install this on any smart phone. The YUGE app enabled us to plan our day down to the finest detail, using up to date weather, snow conditions. We found it saved loads of time and gave us more confidence finding our way around the massive Les Arcs ski area.
In addition to the traditional slopes, Les Arcs also offers opportunities for off-piste skiing, freeride areas, and a snow-park for snowboarders. Overall, the resort provides a well-rounded mix of slopes that caters to all levels, making it ideal for a varied and exciting ski holiday.
We rented our skis from Intersport, and the experience was seamless. The staff were friendly and professional, ensuring that we were all kitted out with the latest equipment tailored to our needs. The ski hire service made the entire process quick and easy, so we could hit the slopes in no time.
While skiing was the highlight of our trip, we couldn’t resist trying something a little different. We took a thrilling ride on the zip wire that stretches across the valley. It’s one of the longest and highest zip lines in Europe, and it offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains as you race across the valley floor at high speed. It was an exhilarating experience that got our hearts pumping and a great way to take a break from the skis while still enjoying the breathtaking alpine landscape.
After a full day of skiing, there’s nothing better than unwinding and rejuvenating, and the spa at Pierre & Vacances Premium Residence Arc 1950 Le Village was the perfect place to do so. The spa facilities were top-notch, offering a relaxing retreat with saunas, a steam room, a jacuzzi, and even an outside pool with an incredible view of Mont Blanc. The entire experience was incredibly soothing, providing the perfect balance to our active days on the slopes. An ideal way to pamper ourselves and recharge for the next day's adventures.
Our entire trip was arranged by Inghams, who are celebrating their 90th year in business. Inghams really know how to provide a fantastic service.
They ensured that every detail of our holiday was handled with precision and care. From booking to transfers, accommodation, ski hire, and even a lost ski glove on route from Chambery airport was found by our resort representative Mark, making the trip stress-free from start to finish.
They truly provided a seamless experience, allowing us to focus on what mattered most, spending time together as a family and enjoying the beauty of the Alps.
In every sense, Arcs 1950 delivered a perfect ski holiday for our family.
The combination of world-class skiing, luxury accommodation, unbelievable health spas, outstanding food, and unforgettable activities made this trip exceptional. For our family, it was the ultimate escape from the Christmas chaos, allowing us to unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories in a stunning alpine setting.
So if you're seasoned skiers looking for a ski holiday that offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, or a family taking your first steps in to the world of ski holidays. Arcs 1950, accompanied with the impeccable service from Inghams, should be at the top of your list. It was a five-star experience that left us all wanting more, we can’t wait to return, and it definitely won't be in 15 years time!
Inghams Ski (www.inghams.co.uk, 01483 938047) offers 7 nights self- catering in 5* Le Village Arc 1950 from £649pp including flights and transfers, departs March 22.
Huski for food delivery to your door (www.hu.ski); Ski rental from 8 Euros per day www.intersportrent.com; Resort info: www.arc1950.com/en
